Research Fellow - Department of Cardiovascular Sciences - 98391 - Grade 7 bei The University of Birmingham

Position Details

Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2026

Closing date: 21st October 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge in the area of photoacoustic imaging using Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors, by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. The role will be based in the Birmingham Photoacoustic Group in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences.

The Birmingham Photoacoustic Group was founded in 2021 by Dr James Guggenheim. This group is based in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences in the College of Medicine and Health. Photoacoustic imaging is an emerging medical imaging technique in which pulsed light is used to generate ultrasound in biological tissue. The technique allows imaging biological structures such as blood vessel networks non-invasively. It also has the potential to map out functional information such as blood oxygenation. It is anticipated that the technique will find a range of applications in cardiovascular science, cancer imaging, and other areas. Towards this goal, this Research Fellow post represents an opportunity to contribute to the development of photoacoustic instrumentation and technique development.

Specifically, the post will focus on developing photoacoustic imaging systems based on highly sensitive Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors, a technology first pioneered by the University College London Photoacoustic Imaging Group. Primary areas of investigation will be increasing the performance of Fabry-Perot sensors in terms of their sensitivity. Improving the sensors in this way will aid in developing new high-performance photoacoustic imaging systems. The post will also involve constructing lab based photoacoustic systems and applying them in preliminary imaging studies.

Role Summary

• Perform excellent research in the area of photoacoustic imaging using Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors including investigating:
  • Improving their performance 
  • Furthering relevant understanding
  • Applying these systems in new applications

• Contribute to developing photoacoustic lab instrumentation including constructing photoacoustic imaging systems based on Fabry-Perot sensors

• Work within specified research projects and contribute to writing bids 

• Operate within this area of specialism

• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 

• Contribute to generating funding 

• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required, in areas related to photoacoustic imaging using Fabry-Perot ultrasounds sensors, in areas related to photoacoustic imaging using Fabry-Perot ultrasounds sensors
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods including developing Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors and developing photoacoustic techniques
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in physics, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline
• PhD (or near completion) in an area related to photoacoustic imaging with Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones, in particular related to the design, modelling and characterisation of Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors used in photoacoustic imaging
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to James Guggenheim, email: [email protected] 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.